NAPA PIANO TEACHER

ALL ABOUT ME

Teaching piano for over 30 years, each lesson is individualized , structured for that student’s musical goals, special needs and enjoyment.   Classically trained, but always looking into new ideas, new approaches to teaching music, I personally enjoy playing jazz, rag, blues and pop music during my “free” time at the piano.  I recently took a refresher course in Music Theory and obtained The Ultimate Music Theory Certification, and am taking online courses in improvisation and jazz technique.   Always something new to learn, for both teacher and student!

You are never too old to begin lessons, and the health and brain development benefits to studying music is well documented.    I have taught students from age 5 through age 85, and have enjoyed teaching each and every one.

For younger students, I usually recommend waiting until between 5 and 7 years of age.   Although lessons can begin sooner, they are much more generic and slower moving, and very dependent upon heavy parent involvement and the child’s ability to concentrate for an extended period of time, and daily practice.  Because of the need for more “away from the piano” attention maintaining activities, progress at the piano is usually slower.

I incorporate music theory, music history, improvisation, composition, lead sheets, and sight reading, along with classical training in technique, note and interval reading for a well rounded pianist.  But most of all, lessons are to be enjoyed.   Enjoyable lessons, coupled with steady at-home-practice, equals a happy, confident student.

My general approach to teaching is encapsulated in the following:

“ I facilitate Thinking,  I engage Minds, I listen to Questions, I encourage Risk, I support Struggle, I cultivate Dreams, I learn Every Day,  I TEACH”   - anon.